In this episode Scott Doucet takes a time out from doing interviews and bonus episodes to bring us up to date with a checkpoint! He decides to share his own Trash, Treasures and Tricks as he's learned them up to this point in building Podcast Ba, the brand.

-Trash-

Scotty's first piece of trash that he's keen to share is the level of overwhelm he's experienced in build the 4 legged beast that is Podcast Bay. He greatly underestimated the amount of effort that goes into building a podcast, a production company, a membership community and a free community, and gives a real look at the ramifications of that miscalculation.

Haters are gonna hate, and Scott experiences his first real haters at the beginning of this season. He explains the difference between helpful criticism and actual negativity, and how both have come his way as a result of leveling up the brand. He shares how he's used both to his advantage, and how both have made him feel. He also gives a shout out to the people who continue to show their love and support.

Nothing shows you the gaps in your mindset quite like starting a business. This experience has brought up some ugly scenarios and twisted thinking that would never been addressed otherwise, and Scotty is more than willing to share what they were, and how they're being dealt with.

Leaving the Podcast Discovery Center is another thing that Scotty considers to be trash. Having worked hard and shown up regularly to a community, only to have it become a negative experience wasn't something he wanted, or thought would ever happen: but here we are. It's not all bad though, and he breaks that down in detail

-Treasure-

Despite the trash, there was a mountain of treasure to be gained and learned from as well. The growth of the brand has allowed him to hire a new member of the Podcast Bay team, and Jesse has made a massive difference in Scott's life, but also in the company as a whole.

The birth of Podcast Bay: The Community was another massive gain this year, as it gave podcasters a place to gather and learn from the team in an unrestricted way that allows for true progress and growth.

The Podcast Bay: Captain's Quarters is another great thing that has come out of this experience. If free groups aren't giving you what you need, and accountability or implementation are your struggles, then the membership community that has taken shape is definitely more for you.

One of the things that has surprised Scotty during this is the alarming level of growth his production company has experienced in such a short time. He's gone from working 2 crummy jobs to being immersed into the podcast industry as a full time (and overtime) gig. He describes the journey, the shock, and the gratitude he's been feeling as a result.

-Tricks-

Scott kicks off the tricks section with Outsourcing. He owes a lot of his recent success to hiring talented people to take care of the things he doesn't know, or just doesn't want to do, so that he can focus on the things that bring in money, and the things he does well.

He also talks about the value of having a solid sales process. Podcasting is all well and good, but if the people who find you through your show don't have a way to buy from you: you may want to reevaluate some things and fix the holes in your ship.

Collaboration beats competition every time. Scott shares instances where he will collaborate happily, and times when he's more than happy to play the long game and compete wholeheartedly. There is a time and a place for both, and he draws his line in the sand, but he also preaches the value of collaboration, and credits it for a lot of the good vibes he's been receiving.

He wouldn't be doing this show if he hadn't invested in his skills and knowledge along the way. He's not afraid to admit when he's ignorant about something, and he's even more willing to make sure that isn't the case for long. He puts his money where his mind is, and as a result bridges the gaps between where he is, and where he wants to be.

Easily the most important trick in the book, Scott talks about surrounding yourself with a strong support system, and the deep feelings he has for every member of that support system. As things continue to grow, expand and advance, he knows where he stands, and who stands with him. He understands the value of having people around him to encourage him, but also level with him when things aren't going right. He attributes his ability to keep moving forward to the people who are pushing him along the way.

-Links-

www.podcastbay.net